LEADERSHIP
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Danika Melnar
President & Executive Director
Danika is a CPDT-KA professional trainer based out of Alleyton, TX. She apprenticed for several years at Horizon Kennels, working bird dogs, gun dogs and competition dogs, along with general obedience dogs of all breeds and sizes to help each become successful members of their family. Performance Gun dogs have always been Danika’s passion since the beginning of her career, and are the main focus of her ambitions within the hunting industry.
Danika grew up in California riding and training polo horses, playing competitively across the country, even being named Intercollegiate Player of the Year in 2006 during her senior year at the University of California at Davis. After graduating with Communications and Animal Science degrees, polo brought her to Texas, where she later found her passion for training dogs through the similarities in learning and competitive abilities shared by both the animals she is passionate about.
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Versatility, utilizing a dogs strongest natural attributes, and strong obedience foundations are the main focus of everything she accomplishes with both client and personal dogs, believing that fair expectations and strong foundations open the door across multiple disciplines for any and all dogs.
Taylor Melnar
Treasurer & Director
The majority of Taylor's time is spent at Top Flight Hunting Preserve in Columbus, TX as a Hunting Guide.
Deuce was his faithful hunting partner at Top Flight for years and the start of Deuce's Dream.

Emily Glass
Public Relations Director
A lifelong animal lover and avid hunter, Emily is excited to circle back to once again focus on senior dog care and the TLC they deserve.


Melissa Sullivan
Secretary
Born and raised in Houston, Melissa has always had animals in her life. Starting off with cats then becoming a dog lover. Working in retail until she decided to follow her heart into working with animals. For the past 17 years she has worked mainly with dogs in many different programs. After adopting 3 yorkies and a chihuahua she found another passion in photography.
With photography she was able to capture heart warming moments with not only her dogs, but those of her friends, family, and clients. All while still learning the ins and outs of photography.
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Melissa is married to a wonderful man, who along with Danika, has helped her realize the joy of soon to be owned by a Golden Retriever named Orla Rhae and excited for all their new adventures together.

Cami Nierdieck
Board Member
Cami has had a passion for animals in general, in particular for dogs, since before she could walk. This passion has led her to following her dreams to further her education. She has attained her AD in both Animal Science and Veterinary Technology as well as graduating from Texas A&M with a BS degree in Poultry Science.
She started her career as a dog trainer at PETCO and helped manage the HOPE Rescue Center. As a continuation she has started several ventures that including a pet sitting business.
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Her newest venture is she opened Hullabaloo Kennels, where she breeds and trains GWP’s, her dogs have completed in many types of competitions and won many awards.
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Steven Guidroz
Facilities Management
Steven is the owner of Steel Blue Construction. Starting his company was a natural progression after20 years in the construction industry. This has allowed Steven to spend more time with family friends and to continue childhood hobbies he had little time for in the past. Growing up in Louisiana, he has been fishing and hunting from an early age and enjoys the companionship of his chocolate lab in the field. Steven enjoys sharing his knowledge of construction and assisting with all DDHDS’s projects to ensure the comfortable retirement of these once hard-working dogs.
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She started her career as a dog trainer at PETCO and helped manage the HOPE Rescue Center. As a continuation she has started several ventures that including a pet sitting business.
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Her newest venture is she opened Hullabaloo Kennels, where she breeds and trains GWP’s, her dogs have completed in many types of competitions and won many awards.
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Brandy Guidroz
Fundraising Chair
Brandy retired from nursing and her role as a nurse practitioner in 2020 to assist Steven with the daily office work at Steel Blue Construction. She has since completed a certificate program in interior design. Her two children, having had a variety of pets over the years, have increased her love for animals of all kinds and fostered a respect for the enrichment they provide to our lives. She has a way to combine her passion for service with her love for animals through DDHDS.